Mail carrier’s plight elicits political posts

WE RAN A STORY last week about Greeley postal carrier Laurie Watts who said seeing dogs on short chains, left out in the elements year round and riding in the backs of pickups disturbed her, so she’s trying to get Greeley City Council to adopt an ordinance prohibiting such practices.

Some online commentary praised her actions, but others suggested she’s butting in where she doesn’t belong.

Apparently, Watts’ actions hit a personal nerve with this poster:

“Deliver the mail, shut your mouth and stay out of other peoples business. My dogs love to ride in the back of my truck. Why is that a bad thing?”

Defenders quickly chimed in, however, to encourage Watts:

“Would you say she needs to mind her own business if she saw a child or an elderly person being abused? … I say thank God for Laurie Watts who cares enough about these innocent animals to bring their mistreatment to someone’s attention.”

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And, like often is the case, the discussion veered off into politics:

“Typical Democrat … just like CNN. Always putting words into peoples mouths … “now I think that this is what he was really saying when he said: Get a life.”

One reader took offense at the idea that only liberals care about protecting animals:

“I don’t know why you are bashing liberals for wanting to protect animals from abuse. If people are allowed to abuse animals, they will likely abuse children, the elderly, and the disabled. I am a conservative Christian who believes it is everyone’s (liberal and conservative) responsibility to protect humans and animals from abusers. The abuse of animals and humans should never be tolerated!”

Then, as sometimes happens, someone observed that the comments had become personal, even suggesting our Web site is designed to elicit such commentary.

“This has got to be the most idiotic section that I have read in a long time! Both of these people commenting on this section need to knock it off. It’s a terrible thing for people to neglect their dogs. Ours is like a part of our family, and I could never imagine doing this to him. I really wonder if this commenting section of the Trib online is designed to make people gripe at each other and degrade one another? We need to just not take things so personally and go on with our days! :)”

In defense of our Web site, we believe letting people post their opinions promotes a healthy discussion of issues.

That’s why we endeavor to keep you posted.

City editor Kim Spencer writes a weekly reflection of comments posted on the Tribune Web site during the previous week. You may reach her at 392-4467 or spencer@greeleytrib.com.